Slide and shell container having dual hinge lids

ABSTRACT

A slide and shell container for consumer goods includes an outer shell and an inner slide for housing the consumer goods, the inner slide including a box, a first hinge lid and a second hinge lid, substantially opposed to the first hinge. The inner slide is slidable within the outer shell between a first open slide position and a second open slide position. In the first open slide position, the first hinge lid projects outwardly from the outer shell through a first open end thereof such that the first hinge lid is moveable to an open position and in the second open position, the second hinge lid projects outwardly from the outer shell through a second open end thereof such that the second hinge lid is moveable to an open position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application corresponds to and claims priority to EP09252010.5,filed Aug. 18, 2009, the entire content of which is incorporated hereinby this reference thereto

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Consumer goods can be packaged in containers including an outer shell orsleeve and an inner slide or tray in which the consumer goods are housedand which is slidable within the outer shell. To remove consumer goodsfrom such containers, a consumer slides the inner slide from an initialposition within the outer shell to an open position in which the innerslide projects outwardly from the outer shell, in order to partiallyexpose an open end or side of the inner slide.

Slide and shell containers having a hinge lid are disclosed for examplein WO-A-2008/065038. It would be desirable to provide a slide and shellcontainer which provides novel ways for the consumer to access theconsumer goods within the container.

The present invention relates to a novel slide and shell containerincluding dual hinge lids. The container finds particular application asa container for elongate smoking articles and other consumer goods.

SUMMARY

A slide and shell container for consumer goods includes an outer shelland an inner slide for housing the consumer goods. The inner slideincludes a box, a first hinge lid connected to the box about a firsthinge line and a second hinge lid, substantially opposed to the firsthinge lid and connected to the box about a second hinge line. The innerslide is slidable within the outer shell between a first open slideposition and a second open slide position. In the first open slideposition, the first hinge lid projects outwardly from the outer shellthrough a first open end thereof such that the first hinge lid ismoveable to an open position. In the second open position, the secondhinge lid projects outwardly from the outer shell through a second openend thereof such that the second hinge lid is moveable to an openposition.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner slide is slidable within the outershell between the first open slide position and the second open slideposition through an intermediate slide position in which the first hingelid and the second hinge lid are each retained in a closed position bythe outer shell. Preferably, the inner slide includes a firstcompartment accessible through the first hinge lid and a secondcompartment accessible through the second hinge lid. Moreover, in thefirst open slide position the first compartment is accessible and thesecond compartment is inaccessible while in the second open slideposition the second compartment is accessible and the first compartmentis inaccessible. Also preferably, in the intermediate slide positionboth the first compartment and the second compartment are inaccessible.In the preferred embodiment, the first compartment and the secondcompartment of the inner slide are separated by an integral partition.Preferably, the first compartment of the inner slide includes aplurality of consumer goods and the second compartment of the innerslide is a waste compartment.

Also in the preferred embodiment, the slide and shell container can alsoinclude retention means for preventing removal of the inner slide fromthe outer shell. Preferably, the retention means prevent movement of theinner slide beyond the first open slide position and the second openslide position. Also preferably, the retention means includes at leastone retention flap provided on the inner slide which is capable ofengaging with the outer sleeve to prevent movement of the inner slidebeyond the first open slide position and the second open slide position.

Preferably, at least one of the hinge lids includes a front wall. Alsopreferably, the inner slide is formed of a single laminar blank.Moreover, the inner slide houses a plurality of smoking articles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a container according to theinvention with the inner slide in the first open slide position;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the inner slide of the container ofFIG. 1, from the back thereof;

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a laminar cardboard blank for forming theinner slide of the container of FIGS. 1 and 2; and

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a laminar cardboard blank for forming theouter shell of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A slide and shell container for consumer goods includes an outer shelland an inner slide for housing the consumer goods. In a preferredembodiment, the inner slide includes a box, a first hinge lid connectedto the box about a first hinge line and a second hinge lid,substantially opposed to the first hinge lid and connected to the boxabout a second hinge line. Preferably, the inner slide is slidablewithin the outer shell between a first open slide position and a secondopen slide position. Also preferably, In the first open slide position,the first hinge lid projects outwardly from the outer shell through afirst open end thereof such that the first hinge lid is moveable to anopen position. Moreover, in the second open position, the second hingelid projects outwardly from the outer shell through a second open endthereof such that the second hinge lid is moveable to an open position.

As used herein, the terms “front”, “rear”, “upper, “lower”, “side”,“top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right” and other terms used to describerelative positions of the components of containers refer to thecontainer in an upright position. In the upright position, the firsthinge line is on the back of the container and the first hinge lid islocated at the upper end of the container. When the container in theupright position is open, the consumer goods contained in the innerslide may be removed through the first hinge lid of the inner slide.Although the container may be rotated or inverted in order to accessconsumer goods through the second hinge lid, the terminology for aparticular component will remain the same.

As used herein, the terms “left” and “right” are used with reference toside walls of the container when the container is viewed from the frontin its upright position.

As used herein, the term “longitudinal” refers to a direction frombottom to top or vice versa. The term “transverse” refers to a directionperpendicular to the longitudinal direction across the front wall, theback wall or one of the side walls.

Similarly, as used herein, the terms “upwards” and “downwards” are usedto describe the movement of the inner slide relative to the outer shellof containers according to the invention when the container is in anupright position.

As used herein, the term “hinge line” refers to a line about which a lidmay be pivoted in order to open the container. A hinge line may be, forexample, a fold line or a score line in the panel forming the rear wallof the container. Alternatively, a hinge line may be a fold line or ascore line in a piece of material bridging the lower edge of the rearwall of the lid and the top edge of the rear wall of the box. Such apiece of material may be, for example, a label that is permanently orremovably attached to the rear wall of the inner slide.

Preferably, in the first open slide position of the container, thesecond hinge lid is at least partially within the outer shell such thatit is prevented from opening. Conversely, in the second open slideposition, the first hinge lid is preferably at least partially withinthe outer shell such that the first hinge lid is prevented from opening.

Preferably, this arrangement of the first and second hinge lids meansthat only one of the hinge lids may be opened at any time. This preventsthe simultaneous opening of the hinge lids, which may result in consumergoods being lost from the container.

In the preferred embodiment, the first hinge lid and the second hingelid are provided at opposite sides or ends of the inner slide. Also inthe preferred embodiment, the first hinge lid is provided at the top ofthe inner slide and the second hinge lid is provided at the bottom endof the inner slide. In such embodiments, the inner slide is movable in asubstantially vertical direction relative to the outer shell and must bemoved in a upwards direction relative to the outer shell in order tomove it to the first open slide position and in a downwards direction inorder to move it to the second open slide position.

Preferably, the first and second hinge lines may extend across the samewall of the inner slide, so that the lids are pivotable in the samedirection. Alternatively, the first and second hinge lines may extendacross different walls of the inner slide, so that the lids pivot indifferent directions to each other.

Moreover, the first and second hinge lids may have the same, or adifferent size and shape to each other.

In the preferred embodiment, the outer shell is provided with a firstopening through which the first hinge lid projects in the first openslide position and a second opening, opposed to the first opening,through which the second hinge lid projects in the second open slideposition. In preferred embodiments in which the first and second hingelids are provided at the top and bottom ends of the inner slide,respectively, the top and bottom ends of the outer shell are preferablyopen, to provide the first and second openings.

Preferably, the inner slide is slidable within the outer shell betweenthe first open slide position and the second open slide position throughan intermediate slide position in which the first hinge lid and thesecond hinge lid are both retained in a closed position by the outershell. In the intermediate position, access to the consumer goods withinthe inner slide is therefore not possible.

Preferably, the internal dimensions of the outer shell are substantiallythe same as the external dimensions of the inner slide, so that innersurfaces of the outer shell overlie and abut the outer surfaces of theinner slide in the intermediate position. Moreover, in the intermediateposition, the inner slide is therefore entirely within the outer shell.

In use, frictional forces generated between the outer surfaces of theinner slide and the inner surfaces of the outer shell resist slidablemovement of the inner slide between the intermediate position and eitherthe first or second open slide position. This advantageously preventsopening and closing of the container without the application of apositive force by the consumer.

Preferably, the container can also include at least one friction elementto further increase the friction between the outer shell and the innerslide.

Alternatively or in addition to the at least one friction element,suitable retention means may be provided to keep the inner slide in theintermediate position. For example, the retention means may include oneor more magnets, Velcro® strips, low-tack adhesives, embossed ordebossed areas on at least one of the outer shell and the inner slide.

In the preferred embodiment, the inner slide may be moved between thefirst and second open slide positions by applying a force to the innerslide through the first and second openings in the outer sleeve. Ifdesired, further cut outs may be provided in the outer shell so that, inuse, the inner slide may be grasped through the cut outs in order tomove it between the open slide positions.

Once the inner slide has been moved to the first or second open slideposition, the hinge lid projecting outwardly from the outer sleeve inthat position may be opened and closed by applying a force to pivot thehinge lid about the corresponding hinge line. The necessary force may beapplied directly to the lid. Alternatively, in some embodiments, atleast one of the hinge lids may include a lid flap, which engages withthe outer shell as the inner slide is moved such that the correspondinglid opens automatically as it is moved out of the outer sleeve. Asuitable arrangement is described in, for example in EP-A-1 847 478, theentire content of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

Alternatively or in addition to providing means for automaticallyopening at least one of the hinge lids, the container may be providedwith means for resiliently biasing at least one of the hinge lidstowards the open position of the lid. For example, the correspondinghinge line may be provided such that the lid naturally moves to the openposition of the lid. This may be the case, for example, where the innerslide is formed of a fibrous material and the hinge line is a score lineor fold line. The lid will be biased towards a position in which thefibers at the score or fold line are compressed as little as possible.

Preferably, the container can further include retention means forpreventing removal of the inner slide from the outer shell and forlimiting the movement of the inner slide relative to the outer shell.Particularly preferably, the retention means ensure that the inner slidecannot be pushed out of the outer shell beyond its first or second openslide positions. For example, the inner slide may be connected to theouter shell, directly or indirectly.

In the preferred embodiment, the retention means includes at least oneretention tab provided on the inner slide which is capable of engagingwith the outer sleeve to prevent movement of the inner slide beyond thefirst and second open positions. Preferably. the at least one retentiontab may engage with a corresponding tab provided on the inside of theouter sleeve, wherein the engagement of the tabs prevents furthermovement of the inner slide in a particular direction. Alternatively,the outer sleeve may include one or more cut outs on the inner surfacethereof, wherein the at least one retention tab is restrained to movingwithin the one or more cut outs. Preferably, the wall of the outersleeve including the one or more cut outs is formed of an inner wallpanel and an outer wall panel, wherein the one or more cut outs areprovided in the inner wall panel only, so that they are not visible fromthe outside of the container.

In the preferred embodiment, the at least one inner slide may furtherinclude an inner frame mounted in the box portion thereof.

Preferably, the inner slide of the contaienr is divided into a firstcompartment accessible by means of the first hinge lid and a secondcompartment accessible by means of the second hinge lid. Particularlypreferably, in the first open slide position the first compartment isaccessible and the second compartment is inaccessible while in thesecond open slide position the second compartment is accessible and thefirst compartment is inaccessible. It is therefore only possible toaccess one of the compartments at any one time.

Preferably, in the intermediate slide position, both compartments areinaccessible.

Preferably, the first compartment and the second compartment of theinner slide are separated from one another by a partition thatsubstantially prevents an exchange of material between the contents ofthe two compartments during normal use of the container. This isparticularly desirable either where the two compartments containdifferent consumer goods, or where one of the compartments includesconsumer goods and the other compartment is a waste compartment, asdescribed in more detail below.

Particularly preferably, the first compartment and the secondcompartment of the inner slide are separated from one another by anintegral partition. As used herein, the term “integral partition” isused to indicate that the partition forms an integral part of the innerslide. This arrangement may be advantageous, since it enables the innerslide to be formed from a single laminar blank.

In the preferred embodiment, the first and second compartments of theinner slide may be the same or different size, depending on the positionof the partition.

Preferably, the first and second compartments of the inner slide maycontain the same consumer goods. For example, in one preferredembodiment, the first and second compartments of the inner slide eachcontain a bundle of smoking articles. Alternatively, the first andsecond compartments of the inner slide may contain different consumergoods. For example, one compartment may contain a bundle of smokingarticles and the other compartment may include matches, a lighter ofanother ignition device.

In the preferred embodiment, at least one of the hinge lids of the innerslide includes a front wall. The front wall of the lid improves theclosing of the container as it minimizes any visible gap between theinner slide and the outer shell when the container is closed.

Also in the preferred embodiment, one of the compartments contains aplurality of consumer goods while the other compartment is a ‘wastecompartment’. The waste compartment may be used to contain wastematerials arising from the use of some or all of the consumer goodscontained in the other compartment of the inner slide. Examples of wastematerials that may be placed in the waste compartment include, but arenot limited to, discarded wrappers and other packaging, and the remainsof used consumer goods.

Preferably, the container may be formed from any suitable materialsincluding, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal, orcombinations thereof. Also preferably, the outer shell and inner slideare each formed from one or more folded laminar cardboard blanks andpreferably, the cardboard has a weight of between about 100 grams persquare metre and about 350 grams per square metre.

In the preferred embodiment, the inner slide and outer shell may beformed of the same or different materials to each other. When the samematerial is used to form both the inner slide and the outer shell, thethickness of the materials may be the same or different to each otherand the finishing of the materials may be the same or different.Additionally, one or more of the blanks may be made of transparentmaterial.

In the preferred embodiment, the container may be in the shape of arectangular parallelepiped, with right-angled longitudinal andright-angled transverse edges. Alternatively, the container may includeone or more rounded longitudinal edges, rounded transverse edges,bevelled longitudinal edges or bevelled transverse edges, orcombinations thereof. For example, the container according to theinvention may include, without limitation:

-   -   One or two longitudinal generally rounded or generally bevelled        edges on the front wall, and/or one or two longitudinal        generally rounded or generally bevelled edges on the back wall.    -   One or two transverse generally rounded or generally bevelled        edges on the front wall, and/or one or two transverse generally        rounded or generally bevelled edges on the back wall.    -   One longitudinal generally rounded edge and one longitudinal        generally bevelled edge on the front wall, and/or one transverse        generally rounded edge and one transverse generally bevelled        edge on the back wall.    -   One or two transverse generally rounded or generally bevelled        edges on the front wall and one or two longitudinal generally        rounded or generally bevelled edges on the front wall.    -   Two longitudinal generally rounded or generally bevelled edges        on a first side wall or two transverse generally rounded or        generally bevelled edges on the second side wall.

Where the container includes one or more generally rounded edges and ismade from one or more laminar blanks, preferably the blanks includethree, four, five, six or seven scoring lines or creasing lines to formeach rounded edge in the assembled container. The scoring lines orcreasing lines may be either on the inside of the container or on theoutside of the container. Preferably, the scoring lines or creasinglines are spaced from each other a distance ranging from about 0.3 mm toabout 4 mm.

Preferably, the spacing of the creasing lines or scoring lines is afunction of the thickness of the laminar blank. Also preferably, thespacing between the creasing lines or scoring lines ranges from about0.5 to about 4 times larger than the thickness of the laminar blank.

Where the container includes one or more generally bevelled edge,preferably the bevelled edge has a width ranging from about 1 mm toabout 10 mm, preferably ranging from about 2 to about 6 mm.Alternatively, the container may include a double bevel formed by threeparallel creasing or scoring lines that are spaced such that twodistinct bevels are formed on the edge of the container.

Where the container includes a generally bevelled edge and is made fromone or more laminar blanks, the bevel may be formed by two parallelcreasing lines or scoring lines in the laminar blank. The creasing linesor scoring lines may be arranged symmetrically to the edge between afirst wall and a second wall. Alternatively, the creasing lines orscoring lines may be arranged asymmetrically to the edge between thefirst wall and the second wall, such that the bevel reaches further intothe first wall of the container than into the second wall of thecontainer.

Alternatively, the container may have a generally non-rectangulartransversal cross section, for example polygonal such as triangular orhexagonal, or oval, semi-oval, circular or semi-circular.

Containers according to the invention find particular application aspacks for elongate smoking articles such as, for example, cigarettes,cigars or cigarillos. It will be appreciated that through appropriatechoices of the dimensions thereof, containers according to the inventionmay be designed for different numbers of conventional size, king size,super-king size, slender or very slender cigarettes. Alternatively,other consumer goods may be housed inside the container.

Containers may be advantageously used to package smoking articlesincluding, but not limited to, known lit-end cigarettes, cigars orcigarillos, heated smoking articles including a combustible fuel elementor heat source and an aerosol-generating substrate (for examplecigarettes of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,082) and smokingarticles for use with electrical smoking systems (for example cigarettesof the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,525).

Through an appropriate choice of the dimensions thereof, containersaccording to the invention may be designed to hold different totalnumbers of smoking articles, or different arrangements of smokingarticles. For example, through an appropriate choice of the dimensionsthereof, containers may be designed to hold a total of about ten toabout thirty smoking articles.

Where the inner slide of the container includes a first compartment anda second compartment and where both compartments contain smokingarticles, the compartments may contain the same or different numbers ofsmoking articles.

In the preferred embodiment, the smoking articles in the inner slide orin each compartment of the inner slide may be arranged in differentcollations, depending on the total number of smoking articles. Forexample, the smoking articles may be arranged in a single row of six,seven, eight, nine or ten. Alternatively, the smoking articles may bearranged in two or more rows. The two or more rows may contain the samenumber of smoking articles. For example, the smoking articles may bearranged in: two rows of five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten; threerows of five or seven; or four rows of four, five or six. Alternatively,the two or more rows may include at least two rows containing differentnumber of smoking articles to each other. For example, the smokingarticles may be arranged in: a row of five and a row of six (5-6); a rowof six and a row of seven (6-7); a row of seven and a row of eight(7-8); a middle row of five and two outer rows of six (6-5-6); a middlerow of five and two outer rows of seven (7-5-7); a middle row of six andtwo outer rows of five (5-6-5); a middle row of six and two outer rowsof seven (7-6-7); a middle row of seven and two outer rows of six(6-7-6); a middle row of nine and two outer rows of eight (8-9-8); or amiddle row of six with one outer row of five and one outer row of seven(5-6-7).

Preferably, the container may hold smoking articles of the same type orbrand, or of different types or brands. In addition, both filterlesssmoking articles and smoking articles with various filter tips may becontained, as well as smoking articles of differing length (for example,ranging from about 40 mm to about 180 mm), diameter (for example,ranging from about 4 mm to about 9 mm). In addition, the smokingarticles may differ in strength of taste, resistance to draw and totalparticulate matter delivery. Preferably, the dimensions of the containerare adapted to the length of the smoking articles, and the collation ofthe smoking articles. Typically, the outer dimensions of the containerrange from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm larger than the dimensions of thebundle or bundles of smoking articles housed inside the container.

Preferably, the length, width and depth of the container may be suchthat, in the closed position, the resultant overall dimensions of thecontainer are similar to the dimensions of a typical disposablehinge-lid pack of twenty cigarettes.

Preferably, the container has a height ranging from about 60 mm to about150 mm, more preferably a height ranging from about 70 mm to about 125mm, wherein the height is measured from the top wall to the bottom wallof the container.

Preferably, the container has a width ranging from about 12 mm to about150 mm, more preferably a width ranging from about 70 mm to about 125mm, wherein the width is measured from one side wall to the other sidewall of the container.

Preferably, the container has a depth ranging from about 6 mm to about100 mm, more preferably a depth ranging from about 12 mm to about 25 mmwherein the depth is measured from the front wall to the back wall ofthe container (including the hinge between box and lid).

Preferably, the ratio of the height of the container to the depth of thecontainer ranges from about 0.3 to 1 to about 10 to 1, more preferablyranges from about 2 to 1 to about 8 to 1, most preferably ranges fromabout 3 to 1 to 5 to 1

Preferably, the ratio of the width of the container to the depth of thecontainer ranges from about 0.3 to 1 to about 10 to 1, more preferablyranges from about 2 to 1 to about 8 to 1, most preferably ranges fromabout 2 to 1 to 3 to 1.

Preferably, the ratio of the height of the lid back wall to the heightof the box back wall of the outer sleeve is between about 0 to 1 (hingelocated at the top edge of the container) to about 1 to 1, morepreferably, between about 1 to 5 and about 1 to 10, most preferably,between about 1 to 6 to about 1 to 8.

Preferably, the ratio of the height of the lid front wall of the outersleeve to the height of the box front wall of the outer sleeve rangesfrom about 1 to 0 (lid covering the entire front wall) to about 1 to 10,more preferably, ranges from about 1 to 1 to about 1 to 5, mostpreferably, ranges from about 1 to 2 to about 1 to 3.

Where the container includes smoking articles, the container may furtherinclude other consumer goods, for example matches, lighters,extinguishing means, breath-fresheners or electronics. The otherconsumer goods may be attached to the outside of the container,contained within the container along with the smoking articles, in aseparate compartment of the container or combinations thereof.

Preferably, the exterior surface of the container may be printed,embossed, debossed or otherwise embellished with manufacturer or brandlogos, trade marks, slogans and other consumer information and indicia.

Where the inner slide of the container includes first and secondcompartments, the interior and exterior surfaces of the first and secondcompartments may be printed or otherwise embellished in the same or adifferent manner. For example, where the first and second compartmentscontain different consumer goods, the surfaces of the compartments mayadvantageously be printed in a different manner to emphasise thatdifferent consumer goods are contained therein. Alternatively or inaddition, the exterior surfaces of the outer shell may be printed so asto identify which end of the outer sleeve it is possible to access eachcompartment through.

Where the inner slide of the container contains one or more bundles ofcigarettes or other elongate smoking articles, the smoking articles arepreferably wrapped in an inner liner of, for example, metal foil ormetallized paper.

Once filled, the container may be shrink wrapped or otherwise overwrapped with a transparent polymeric film of, for example, high or lowdensity polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene,polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose film, or combinations thereof in aconventional manner. Where the container is over wrapped, the overwrapper may include a tear tape. In addition, the over wrapper may beprinted with images, consumer information or other data.

In the preferred embodiment, the container 10 shown in FIG. 1 is arectangular parallelepiped and includes an outer shell 14 and an innerslide 12 mounted within the outer shell 14. As described below, twobundles of smoking articles (not shown) are housed in the inner slide 12of the container 10.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 2, the inner slide 12 is formed from theblank 112 (shown in FIG. 3) and includes a box 16, a first hinge lid 18and a second hinge lid 20. Also preferably, the first hinge lid 18 is atthe top end of the inner slide 12 and is connected to the box 16 along afirst hinge line 22 extending substantially horizontally across the backwall of the inner slide 12 at a small distance from the top of the innerslide 12. Moreover, the second hinge lid 20 is provided at the bottomend of the inner slide 12, opposed to the first hinge lid, and isconnected to the box 16 along a second hinge line 24 extendingsubstantially horizontally across the back wall of the inner slide 12 ata small distance from the bottom thereof.

Preferably, the box 16 has a front wall 26 (shown in FIG. 1), a backwall 28, a left side wall 30 and a right side wall 32 (shown in FIG. 1).In the preferred embodiment, the top and bottom sides of the box areboth open, to provide first and second openings through which theconsumer goods within the inner slide can be accessed when thecorresponding hinge lid is opened.

Preferably, the first hinge lid 18 includes a front wall 34, a back wall36, a left side wall 38, a right side wall 40 and a top wall 42. Whenthe first hinge lid 18 is closed, the free edges of the walls of thefirst hinge lid 18 abut the upper free edges of the walls of the box 16along a line of abutment. In the closed lid position of the first hingelid 18, the walls of the first hinge lid 18 therefore form extensions ofthe corresponding walls of the box 16 and the first opening in the innerslide 12 is covered by the first hinge lid 18.

Preferably, the second hinge lid 20 is identical in size and shape tothe first hinge lid 18 and includes a front wall 44, a back wall 46, aleft side wall 48, a right side wall 50 and a bottom wall 52 (shown inFIG. 3). As used herein, the terms ‘front’, ‘back’, ‘left’, ‘right’ and‘bottom’ refer to the components of the second hinge lid 20 when thecontainer in the upright position shown in FIG. 1, with the second hingelid 20 at the bottom of the inner slide 12. When the second hinge lid 20is closed, the free edges of the walls of the second hinge lid 20 abutthe lower free edges of the box 16 along a line of abutment. In theclosed lid position of the second hinge lid 20, the wall of the secondhinge lid 20 therefore form extensions of the corresponding walls of thebox 16 and the second opening of the inner slide 12 is covered by thesecond hinge lid 20.

In alternative embodiments, the front wall 34 of the first hinge lid 18and the front wall 44 of the second hinge lid 20 may be omitted, so thatthe front faces of the hinge lids are open. In this case, the front ofthe hinge lids is covered by the front wall of the outer shell 14 whenthe inner slide 12 is within the outer shell 14. Embodiments with thisarrangement may be advantageous in certain assembly methods.

In the preferred embodiment, the outer shell 14 is formed from the blank114, shown in FIG. 4, and includes a front wall 54, a back wall 56, aright side wall 58 and a left side wall 60. Preferably, the top andbottom ends of the outer shell 14 are open, to allow movement of theinner slide 12 into the first or second open slide position. Alsopreferably, the back wall 56 of the outer shell 14 is formed of an innerback wall panel 56 a and an overlying outer back wall panel 56 b.Moreover, the inner back wall panel 56 a is provided with a vertical,elongate cut out 72, the purpose of which will be described below. Inthe preferred embodiment, the length of the cut out 72 is such that theends are provided a short distance away from the top and bottom edges ofthe inner back wall panel 56 a.

Preferably, the inner slide 12 is moveable between the first open slideposition shown in FIG. 1, in which the first hinge lid 18 projectsthrough the top end of the outer shell 14 and a second open slideposition in which the second hinge lid 20 projects through the bottomend of the outer shell 14. In each of the open slide positions, only thehinge lid that is projecting from the outer sleeve 14 may be opened. Theother hinge lid remains within the outer sleeve 14 so that the hingelids cannot be open simultaneously.

In order to move the inner slide 12 to the first open slide position,the inner slide 12 is pushed upwards by applying a force to the bottomwall 52 of the second hinge lid through the open end at the bottom ofthe outer shell 14. Once the first hinge lid 18 projects from the topend of the outer shell 14, it may then be moved to an open position bypivoting it open about the first hinge line 22.

Conversely, in order to move the inner slide 12 to the second open slideposition, the inner slide 12 is pushed in an opposite direction byapplying a force to the top wall 42 of the first hinge lid through theopen end at the top of outer shell 14. In order to facilitate removal ofthe consumer goods through the second hinge lid 20, the container 10 maybe turned by 180 degrees so that the second hinge lid 20 is positionedat the upper end of the container 10. In this case, the second hinge lid20 may be opened in exactly the same way as when the first hinge lid 18is at the upper end of the container 10, by pivoting it about the secondhinge line 24.

Preferably, the outer dimensions of the inner slide 12 are similar tothe inner dimensions of the outer shell 14, such that between uses, theinner slide 12 can be moved to an intermediate position in which theinner slide 12 lies entirely within the outer shell 14. In thisintermediate position, neither hinge lid may be opened. Frictionalforces between the outer surfaces of the inner slide 12 and the innersurfaces of the outer shell 14 substantially prevent the inner slide 12sliding relative to the outer shell 14 until a positive force isapplied.

In the preferred embodiment, the inner slide 12 is divided into a first,top compartment and a second, bottom compartment by an integralpartition 64 positioned inside the inner slide 12, approximately halfway up. Preferably, the integral partition 64 provides the bottom wallof the first compartment and the top wall of the second compartment.Also preferably, the first and second compartments are approximately thesame size as each other and each contains a bundle of smoking articles(not shown in the figures). Moreover, the first compartment isaccessible through the first hinge lid 18 when the inner slide 12 is inthe first open slide position. Additionally, the second compartment isaccessible through the second hinge lid 20 when the inner slide 12 is inthe second open slide position.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the integral partition 64 is formed from agenerally rectangular section in the front wall 26 of the box 16 of theinner slide 12. The section has been cut along three sides and is foldedapproximately 90 degrees into the interior of the inner slide 12, abouta hinge line 62 extending substantially horizontally along the frontwall 26.

Preferably, the size and shape of the section forming the integralpartition 64 corresponds to the horizontal cross section of the innerslide 12 such that when the integral partition 64 is folded into place,it completely separates the first and second compartments from eachother. As shown in FIG. 3, the integral partition 64 includes a tabportion 66 extending from its free bottom edge, wherein the bottom edgeis the edge opposed to the hinge line 62 and which lies against the backwall 28 of the box 16 when the container 10 is assembled. Alsopreferably, the tab portion 66 is foldable relative to the remainder ofthe integral partition 64 and is inserted through a cut line 68extending substantially horizontally across the back wall of the innerslide 12 between the sides thereof, at the same level as the integralpartition 66. Moreover, the tab portion 66 is then folded back againstthe outside of the back wall 28 of the box, such that when the container10 is assembled, it lies between the box back wall 28 and the back wallof the outer shell. In the preferred embodiment, this arrangementensures that the integral partition 66 is retained in place.

Preferably, the back wall 28 of the box 16 further includes a pair ofretention tabs 70 provided above and below the cut line 68. Eachretention tab 70 has been cut on three sides and is folded 180 degreesabout a hinge line 74 extending parallel to the cut line 68. Once thecontainer 10 has been assembled, the pair of retention tabs 70 thereforelies between the back wall 28 of the box of the inner slide 12 and theback wall of the outer sleeve 14. The width of the retention tabs 70corresponds to the width of the elongate cut out 72 in the rear backwall panel of the outer shell 14 so that when the container 10 isassembled, the retention tabs lie within the elongate cut out 72.

As the inner slide 12 is moved in an upwards direction, the tabs 70 willmove upwards within the cut out 72 until the free edge of the upperretention tab abuts the top edge of the cut out 72, so that theretention tab interlocks with the inner back wall panel 56 a. This willprevent further movement of the inner slide 12 in an upwards directionrelative to the outer sleeve 14. Similarly, the abutment of the freeedge of the lower retention tab with the bottom edge of the cut out 72will prevent further movement of the inner slide 12 in a downwardsdirection relative to the outer sleeve 14.

Preferably, the length of the cut out 72 is such that the retention tabs70 interlock with the inner back wall panel 56 a when the inner slide 12is in the first or second open slide position. Also preferably, theretention tabs 70 therefore prevent movement of the inner slide 12beyond the first and second positions and also prevent removal of theinner slide from the outer shell 14.

In order to assemble the container 10, the inner slide 12 is formedaround two bundles of wrapped cigarettes with the integral partition 64folded in place as described above. The filled inner slide 12 is theninserted into the outer shell 14 with the retention tabs folded andfitted into the elongate cut out 72, as described above. The assembledcontainer may then be overwrapped with a transparent wrapper, in theconvention manner.

While embodiments of the invention have been described with the aid ofthe drawings, the invention is not limited to the described embodimentsbut rather numerous variations are conceivable without departing fromthe spirit of the present invention.

In this specification, the word “about” is often used in connection withnumerical values to indicate that mathematical precision of such valuesis not intended. Accordingly, it is intended that where “about” is usedwith a numerical value, a tolerance of ±10% is contemplated for thatnumerical value.

In this specification the words “generally” and “substantially” aresometimes used with respect to terms. When used with geometric terms,the words “generally” and “substantially” are intended to encompass notonly features which meet the strict definitions but also features whichfairly approximate the strict definitions.

While the foregoing describes in detail a preferred container havingdual hinge lids with reference to a specific embodiment thereof, it willbe apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications may be made to the container, which do not materiallydepart from the spirit and scope of the foregoing description.Accordingly, all such changes, modifications, and equivalents that fallwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims are intended to beencompassed thereby.

1. A slide and shell container for consumer goods comprising: an outershell having a first open end and a second open end; and an inner slidefor housing consumer goods, the inner slide including a box, a firsthinge lid connected to the box about a first hinge line and a secondhinge lid, substantially opposed to the first hinge lid and connected tothe box about a second hinge line, wherein the inner slide is slidablewithin the outer shell between a first open slide position and a secondopen slide position, wherein in the first open slide position, the firsthinge lid projects outwardly from the outer shell through the first openend thereof such that the first hinge lid is moveable to an openposition and wherein in the second open position, the second hinge lidprojects outwardly from the outer shell through the second open endthereof such that the second hinge lid is moveable to an open position.2. The slide and shell container of claim 1, wherein the inner slide isslidable within the outer shell between the first open slide positionand the second open slide position through an intermediate slideposition in which the first hinge lid and the second hinge lid are eachretained in a closed position by the outer shell.
 3. The slide and shellcontainer of claim 1, wherein the inner slide includes a firstcompartment accessible through the first hinge lid and a secondcompartment accessible through the second hinge lid, wherein in thefirst open slide position the first compartment is accessible and thesecond compartment is inaccessible while in the second open slideposition the second compartment is accessible and the first compartmentis inaccessible.
 4. The slide and shell container of claim 3, wherein inthe intermediate slide position both the first compartment and thesecond compartment are inaccessible.
 5. The slide and shell container ofclaim 3, wherein the first compartment and the second compartment of theinner slide are separated by an integral partition.
 6. The slide andshell container of claim 1, further including retention means forpreventing removal of the inner slide from the outer shell.
 7. The slideand shell container of claim 6, wherein the retention means preventmovement of the inner slide beyond the first open slide position and thesecond open slide position.
 8. The slide and shell container of claim 7,wherein the retention means includes at least one retention flapprovided on the inner slide which is capable of engaging with the outersleeve to prevent movement of the inner slide beyond the first openslide position and the second open slide position.
 9. The slide andshell container of claim 3, wherein the first compartment of the innerslide includes a plurality of consumer goods and the second compartmentof the inner slide is a waste compartment.
 10. The slide and shellcontainer of claim 1, wherein at least one of the hinge lids includes afront wall.
 11. The slide and shell container of claim 1, wherein theinner slide is formed of a single laminar blank.
 12. The slide and shellcontainer of claim 1, wherein the inner slide houses a plurality ofsmoking articles.